Priest to speak about gang youth at St. Thomas Aquinas

BOYLE

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Wednesday, July 12, 2017 12:00 am

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Reverend Gregory J. Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, will speak at St. Thomas Aquinas Church July 30 at 7 p.m.

Boyle is known for his program addressing the problems and needs of gang-involved youth, called Jobs for a Future. He aims to develop positive opportunities for them, including establishing an alternative school and day care program, and seeking out legitimate employment.

“Gang violence is about a lethal absence of hope,” Boyle said. “Nobody has ever met a hopeful kid who joined a gang.”

In his books, Boyle shares what three decades of working with gangs has taught him about faith, compassion, and radical kinship.

Boyle has also received several awards for his work including the California Peace Prize and the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year from the James Beard Foundation. He was also named a 2014 Champion of Change by the White House.

Boyle will be signing his books following his presentation. For more information, contact Terry Zobel at tzobel@sta.org.